A CIRANO study informs INESSS's recommendation to expand breast cancer screening

On September 29, 2025, the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) issued an advisory recommending the expansion of the breast cancer screening program to women aged 45 to 49.

INESS calls upon work of CIRANO researchers Erin C. Strumpf (CIRANO, McGill University) and Tiffanie Perrault (CIRANO, Grand Valley State University) who highlighted the persistent challenges in Quebec regarding diagnostic delays for breast cancer. Quebec ranks among the slowest provinces in the country when it comes to addressing an abnormal screening result.

Citing the CIRANO study, INESSS's advisory emphasizes that in a context of mounting pressure on human and material resources, analyzing the system’s current capacity is crucial to assess the feasibility of expanding screening while maintaining quality, equity and safety of services.

This recognition from INESSS reinforces the importance of CIRANO’s research in informing public decision-makers and supporting the development of evidence-based health policies. 

➡️ Read the INESSS advisory
➡️ Read the authors' article in PERSPECTIVES